PEPYS' DIARY

The diary of Sameul Pepys (1633-1703) is a remarkable document that provides not only a glimpse into the life of a man who was at once intelligent, sensitive, and mundane, but also a window on life in seventeenth-century England. The selections in this recording include Pepys's reflections on Shakespeare, his account of the Great Plague and Great Fire of London, an explanation for how and why he beats his servants, and a description of the quality of his bowel movements. Kenneth Branagh is marvelous, matching his narrative style to suit the nature of the entry--a sexual indiscretion gets a lascivious tone; a secret gets a whisper. Listeners will feel like they're eavesdropping. D.B. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 06/ JAN 07]